When Empathy Fails: Mass Hysteria from Salem to the Dancing Plague

In the heart of human psychology lies a fascinating ability called the Theory of Mind - the capacity to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs different from our own. Alongside it exists empathy, the ability to share and connect with another person’s emotional state. These traits are essential for social harmony, but history reminds us that the consequences can be bizarre, even devastating when they break down.

Theory of Mind and Empathy: Building Blocks of Society

The theory of Mind develops throughout childhood. It allows us to read social cues, infer intentions, and predict behavior. When this fails, miscommunication and conflict arise. Empathy goes hand-in-hand with the Theory of Mind; feeling what others feel motivates helping behaviors and prosocial attitudes. Together, Empathy and Theory of Mind form the cornerstone of functional societies.

Historical Meltdowns: The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem With Trials of 1692 tragically illustrates the fallout when the Theory of Mind and empathy collapse. A perfect storm of fear, religious fervor, and social tensions led to a mass breakdown of reason. Children accused neighbors of witchcraft; flimsy evidence like spectral visions were taken seriously.

Why did this occur?

• Stress Overload: Puritan society was harsh and rigid. Fear of Native American attacks and disease created constant stress, eroding critical thinking.
• Ergot Poisoning (Hypothesis): Some historians theorize that contaminated rye led to hallucinations, adding supernatural fuel to the fire.
• Lack of Empathy: The Puritan worldview emphasized sin and punishment. Those deemed witches were ostracized, their suffering dismissed.

The Dancing Plague of 1518: Contagious Hysteria

Another infamous historical event, the Dancing Plague of Strasbourg in 1518, shows how distorted empathy can trigger mass hysteria. It began with one woman dancing uncontrollably for days, soon dozens, then hundreds were afflicted. Was this a physical illness or a psychological contagion?

Possible Explanations:

• Extreme Poverty and Disease: The region suffered from famine and sickness, creating an emotionally fragile environment.
• Religious Fervor: Some believe the dancing was a form of religious ecstasy gone awry.
• Shared Madness: Under duress, empathy can become warped. Witnessing others succumb to fear and hysteria can break down individual rationality.

Lessons for the Modern Age

Salem and the Dancing Plague were extreme examples, yet they offer warnings. Even today, the Theory of Mind and empathy can be eroded by:

Social Media Bubbles: We curate our online environments, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints and potentially impairing our ability to understand those different from us.

Extreme Stress: Prolonged societal stress, like during a pandemic, can tax our mental resources and make us more prone to irrational fears and scapegoating.

Protecting
Ourselves

• Mindfulness of Biases: Be aware of your assumptions and the potential for in-group/out-group thinking.
• Critical thinking: Question the sources of your information. Look for balanced perspectives and evidence-based reasoning.
• Nurturing Empathy: Actively try to understand different viewpoints, even if you disagree. Engage in constructive dialogue.

Conclusion

Understanding the delicate balance of the Theory of Mind and empathy is vital to prevent history from repeating its darker chapters. By valuing reasoned thought and promoting genuine connection across differences, we can foster a society where mass hysteria and the demonization of others find no place to take root.